In mining, every minute of lost production is costly. The true value of a generator investment is not just in the purchase, but in how efficiently and reliably it performs over its entire life. Maintaining efficiency, safeguarding warranties and avoiding unplanned downtime all depend on the quality of long-term maintenance planning. This is where original equipment manufacturer (OEM) service and maintenance contracts become a strategic necessity, says power solutions provider HIMOINSA Southern and East Africa.

Since joining the Yanmar Group in 2015, HIMOINSA Southern and East Africa has become the fastest-growing subsidiary in HIMOINSA’s global network. The company states that its partnership with Yanmar Energy System (YES), the international power division of Yanmar, brings deep technical expertise and robust support to mining operations across Southern and East Africa.

As a vertical manufacturer, HIMOINSA designs and manufactures all major generator components in-house, ensuring end-to-end quality control. This philosophy extends to after-sales, with OEM-qualified technicians delivering support beyond basic servicing.

Precious metals mining company Sibanye-Stillwater chief electrician Sam Roberts highlights this difference: “From our experience at Sibanye Driefontein, it is the ‘teamwork’ we received from HIMOINSA that stands out. Working in conjunction with Sibanye personnel as one unit. The enthusiasm shown and observed from the HIMOINSA field technician is a rare commodity in South Africa. Always on time, showing friendly and quality service, dedicated to the cause.”

Protecting Investments with OEM Maintenance

Mining businesses invest millions in power generation, yet many underestimate the role of proper maintenance in protecting that capital. OEM maintenance contracts provide distinct advantages that third-party providers cannot fully replicate, advances HIMOINSA.

“Critically, warranty protection depends on servicing that follows manufacturer specifications and uses genuine OEM parts. HIMOINSA Southern and East Africa supports this with three regional service centres in South Africa, East Africa and through an extensive distributor network and bonded warehouse facilities – ensuring rapid access to parts and certified expertise.”

Round-the-clock technical support covers the full lifecycle, from input into the project design to installation, commissioning, operation and ongoing service contracts. This holistic approach helps maintain optimal efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and limit unexpected breakdowns and, therefore, costs, says the company.

Proven Impact on Mining Operations

The benefits of OEM service excellence are most visible on site. Gold mining company Delta Gold Zimbabwe MD James Beare explains: “From the shortlisting of the tender process, HIMOINSA Southern and East Africa has worked closely and innovatively to provide Delta Gold with our optimal power security solution as well as accommodating our stringent timelines leading up to plant commissioning. Operating in an environment where grid power can be unreliable, Delta Gold now has peace of mind that our plant’s production is safeguarded from power availability issues.”

This confidence is rooted in the assurance that every intervention follows factory standards, using dedicated diagnostic tools and procedures. OEM technicians receive continuous training on the latest technology and product updates, enabling them to detect and resolve issues before they evolve into critical failures, adds HIMOINSA.

The Economics of Preventive Maintenance

While maintenance contracts can be seen as an added cost, the economics strongly favour a preventive approach. Regular OEM maintenance extends asset life, preserves fuel efficiency and avoids catastrophic failures that can shut down production for days or even weeks. In a sector where power reliability directly affects output and profitability, the return on this investment is substantial, shares the company.

Flexible, Scalable Service Solutions

HIMOINSA Southern and East Africa understands that no two mining operations are the same. Service offerings range from fully managed support agreements to structured training programmes for in-house technical teams, allowing mines to select the support model that fits their operation and budget.

Value-added services range from full turnkey project solution design and implementation to customised services such as load bank testing, power analysis, fleet management systems and flexible financing packages to help mines optimise their power infrastructure while maintaining financial control.

Looking Ahead

As mines become more digitised and data-driven, service models must evolve too. HIMOINSA Southern and East Africa continues to invest in advanced diagnostics, remote monitoring and predictive maintenance tools aimed at identifying and addressing potential failures before they impact production.

In an industry where reliability is directly tied to profitability, the choice of service partner is as critical as the choice of equipment. OEM aftersales service and maintenance contracts are not just about warranty protection, they are a strategic investment in operational continuity, says HIMOINSA.

“With genuine parts, factory-trained technicians and a robust regional support network, HIMOINSA Southern and East Africa ensures mining operations have the dependable power they need to keep productivity on track.”